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My Spiritual Journey: Considering Where I’ve Been-Reflecting on Where I’m Going
Monday evenings, January 23-February 27
Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines
For more information contact: Marta Hawkins or by phone, 255-3149. Pre-registration required prior to January 15.
Each of us is on a journey-actually, many journeys heading off in multiple directions and serving varying
purposes. You’re in charge of some journeys-setting intent, determining direction, establishing pace. Other
journeys seem nebulous, rather than clearly defined, more spiritual in nature. And you may have a sense that
you aren’t traveling alone. Names can be assigned to the undefined presence walking with you: God or Spirit.
Wisdom or Intuition. Perhaps the Voice Within. When your "nebulous" journey started, where it has taken you,
and where it may lead are worthy of consideration. But it is guided writing that will move you beyond
consideration to understanding.
We'll discuss different aspects of the journey and practice writing techniques that deepen our understanding of that journey, incorporating the art and practice of reflection. Five take-home assignments build one upon the other, encouraging the writerly you to emerge.
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ABOUT THE LA GRANGE Writing from the Soul - A Retreat for Women...
AT THE WELL IN LA GRANGE, IL, IN OCTOBER
 Bridget Purdome of Gurnee, IL, one of our retreatants, wrote the following reflection on her blog.
Joyce Rupp and I truly appreciate her thoughts.
www.thespirittoday.com
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University of Iowa 2012 Summer Writing Festival Courses
For more information, check this web site: http://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/iswfest/ in February.
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Summer Writing Festival Course: Perspective in Memoir
June 16-17
Even before the first draft of a memoir is written- sometimes before the first sentence is written-a
wave of doubt can sweep the writer out to sea. "What if," you gulp, "people disagree with what I write?"
It can happen for one simple reason: Your memoir is written from your perspective. You see, understand,
remember and interpret the people, places and events that merge to become your story from your vantage
point. Others in your story come from their own vantage points, and these twains probably won’t all meet.
We’ll consider this via discussion, writing exercises/assignments and a hard look at what you owe others.
Whether you’re already working on your memoir or are still in the thinking stage, this class will provide
much food for thought.
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Summer Writing Festival Course: Writing about the Hard Stuff
July 8-13
They say writing about the hard stuff is therapeutic. From love lost to loved ones lost, from
the mantle of shame to the hooded cloak of betrayal, from recalling a past that seemed better off buried
to facing a future of hopelessness-each of us has a story. But do those who say writing about the hard
stuff is therapeutic also tell you it’s hard to do? Because it is. If you go there without being internally
ready, you may be disappointed. But if you sense you’re ready, this class will provide reflection tools and
writing techniques to help you move into your story, whether it’s for you alone or to share. One caveat:
This is a writing class, not a therapy session. |
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Summer Writing Festival Course: Zeroing in: Helping the Beginner Tell One Small Story at a Time
July 14-15
One issue beginning writers often experience is trying to tell the whole story at once. What
results instead of the story, however, is a story overview- or maybe a list [albeit in prose] of what
the story touches on as it flies past. Instead of sharing something meaningful, the writer ends up
skimming the surface. We get the story outline but aren’t invited into the richness of the story itself.
There’s no marvelous detail or vibrant conversations. Characters never unfold on the pages and the places
we visit lack soul. Nothing invites us in, so we don’t connect with the written word. Whether you’re
writing fiction, nonfiction or memoir, the mantra remains consistent: Take your time; allow your big
story to unfold-one small story at a time. We’ll break your big story into small, meaningful ones,
then string them together for memorable reading.
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Writing from the Soul - A Retreat for Women
November 8-11, 2012
The Well in La Grange Park, IL
This will be our only 2012 retreat in the Chicago area.
For more Information, view www.csjthewell.org
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Writing from the Soul - A Retreat for Women
April 19-22, 2012
The Servite Center of Compassion, 7400 Military Avenue, Omaha, NE
Joyce Rupp and I delighted to be invited to present our retreat in Omaha. We look forward to meeting a
vibrant group of women who will gather in a safe, quite space to tend their souls with creative ritual,
songs, dialogue and words. Join us and share your weekend, experiencing writing as an entrance to the
deeper self. Take time to relax, reflect and rejuvenate through the personal discovery and celebration
of direction and purpose in life. (As a Creighton University alumna, it will be nice to "go home" again.)
Learn More
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